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International trade and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz inadvertently sparked a discourse on a major policy change that happened four decades ago.
A seemingly innocuous post about his morning jog in Sabah has reignited debate over whether moving Peninsular Malaysia into the same time zone as Sabah and Sarawak has been counterproductive. Some have even argued that the resetting of the clock in 1981 has been unhealthy for millions of people in West Malaysia. A host of political leaders are visiting Sabah during the two-week campaign ahead of state polls before the Nov 29 vote.
But beneath the surface of the debate is likely an undercurrent of sibling rivalry. East Malaysians have long claimed that the federal government has treated them unfairly in terms of infrastructure and economic development.
Hence, state nationalism has surged in recent years across the two Borneo states. The “Sabah for Sabahans” sentiment has become a rallying cry for local parties at the state election calling for voters to turn their backs on national outfits such as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Pakatan Harapan.
A key issue at the Sabah state polls – a crucial bellwether for Datuk Seri Anwar’s multi-coalition government – is whether Kuala Lumpur has failed to honour a statutory commitment to return 40 per cent of revenue earned from the easternmost state back to Kota Kinabalu.
I hope you enjoy this selection of articles from our bureau this week. If you’d like to see our correspondents chase down a particular lead, send me your suggestions or feedback here.
Will Malaysians working in S’pore be drawn home by stronger ringgit?
Many feel ‘loss’ from conversion but say it is still worth it, and they are staying put here.
Malaysian Indian Congress votes to leave BN, signals tie-up with rival coalition
MIC’s soul-searching highlights the struggles of minority parties in the changing landscape.
Mersing’s tourism is booming, but it is now straining Johor’s hidden paradise
Its coral crisis forced island closures, slashing incomes for boat operators and vendors.
Rohingya deaths off Langkawi raise fears of renewed perilous journeys
The tragedy highlighted how humanitarian conditions have sharply worsened, said a minister.
Is this a halal restaurant? Malaysia takes steps to tackle unofficial labels
KL’s urban farmers grow vegetables to keep fit, share skills
Urban farming has emerged as an essential safety net for households facing rising costs.
Local artistes turn to self-censorship amid syariah-oversight concerns
Grey areas in entertainment rules fuel growing self-censorship among platforms and artistes.